Which numbers can we consider as whole numbers? Can you define in your own words what whole numbers are?

Before we look at what whole numbers are, let's first look at some basic definitions of some types of numbers that we have in mathematics.

---

Real numbers \((\mathbb{R})\):

The set of real numbers is the set that contains all rational and irrational numbers. It is the largest of all the number sets we will consider, as it contains all the other types of numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, etc.

---

Rational numbers (Q):

Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as fractions or in the form \(\frac{a}{b}\). They can also be thought of as fractions or decimals that terminate or repeat.
Eg. 0.5, \(\frac{1}{8}\), 68%, 3.75, 69, etc.

---

Irrational numbers (I):

Irrational numbers are non-repeating or non-terminating decimals.
E.g. \(\sqrt{2}\), \(\sqrt{3}\), etc.

---

Integers (Z):

Integers are defined as the set of negative and positive whole numbers. Remember, that this set also includes the number zero (0).
E.g. \(Z=\){\(\dots\), -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, \(\dots\)}

---

Whole numbers (W):

Whole numbers are non-negative integers. Whole numbers include the number zero (0).
Eg. \(W =\) {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, \(\dots\)}

---

Natural numbers (N):

Natural numbers are positive integer values. They do not include the number zero (0). Natural numbers are the numbers that we normally use to count, hence they are sometimes termed as counting numbers.
E.g. \(N =\){1, 2, 3, 4, \(\dots\)}

---

Mathematically, the above definitions imply that;

\[N \subset W \subset Z \subset Q \subset \mathbb{R}\]

\(\ \subset \ \Rightarrow\) is read as "is a subset of"

---

---

Test yourself on what you have learnt so far. Click on the link below when you are ready.

Kindly contact the administrator on 0208711375 for the link to the test.

---

To advertise on our website kindly call on 0208711375 or 0249969740.